Despite Jose Mourinho’s promise not to make things personal when his much anticipated rivalry with Pep Guardiola is renewed, the arrival of the duo in Manchester will undoubtedly be one of the major talking points of the upcoming Premier League campaign. Two of the greatest managers of the generation take charge of rivals United and City, with the task of returning their respective teams to the top of the Premier League table following disappointing campaigns last time around. Along with Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge, the Premier League is certain to have a different feel to it next season, with Leicester City aiming to pick up where they left off under title winning manager Claudio Ranieri.
Former Real Madrid and Barcelona managers Mourinho and Guardiola will not have to wait long to meet, with the two halves of Manchester colliding in just the fourth game of the season at Old Trafford. City are the 9/4 title favourites with bookmakers Coral, with Mourinho and United backed as 9/2 second favourites. Both sides have already invested heavily in the transfer market, with Ivorian Eric Bailly becoming Mourinho’s first signing at Old Trafford, and Guardiola using his knowledge of the German market to bring in midfielder Ilkay Gundogun from Dortmund.
Following on from their struggles last season, Chelsea will surely be active in the transfer window, with Conte already being liked with a number of players. Coral news had this to say regarding the latest transfer rumours, with incomings potentially playing a massive part in determining the favourites for glory next season. Across London, rivals Arsenal and Tottenham will be looking to improve upon their positions from last season, having finished in second and third respectively behind Leicester. Despite having failed to win the league title since 2004, Arsene Wenger’s men are the 5/1 third favourites in the football odds from Coral.
Meanwhile, Burnley, Middlesbrough and Hull City will all be looking to consolidate their position in the top flight of English football, having been promoted from the Championship. Despite the achievements of Leicester last time around, a repeat performance from the new boys is not expected, with the three clubs at 5/6, 5/4 and even money respectively to be relegated come the end of the upcoming season.
